Top star says Samantha Irvin might have been convinced to resign from WWE after he left the company

Samantha Irvin and Lilian Garcia at WWE RAW (Photo Credits: Samantha Irvin on X, Lilian Garcia on Instagram)

Samantha Irvin joined WWE in September 2021 with no pro wrestling experience, but she did grow up as a fan. The former America’s Got Talent competitor quickly became a massively popular member among the WWE Universe, which devastated many loyal supporters when she announced her departure. A familiar face has just offered another reason for Irvin’s departure.

Ricochet and Irvin began dating while both were in WWE and then became engaged in January 2023. When news broke on the inaugural WWE Speed Champion informing the company he planned to leave when his deal expired, fans immediately began speculating on Ricochet going to AEW, and taking his fiancée with him. At the time, sources reported that Irvin would be staying with WWE. Ricochet left in late June, then debuted for AEW in late August. Fans have speculated on and called for, Irvin to join her fiancé in All Elite Wrestling all along.

The Highlight of the Night revealed this week that Irvin no longer wants to do ring announcing, but is open to being a character in the storylines. This comes after Irvin previously indicated that she might want to move on from the industry. Speaking to Barstool Rasslin for another interview this week, the AEW Continental Classic competitor discussed Irvin’s departure and how his WWE exit influenced her decision to leave.

“I will say, I do think me leaving was kind of like the straw that broke the camel’s back. It wasn’t the deciding factor, but I think it was just a couple of things… because, again, she was thinking about it, I want to say… last year at WrestleMania 39, maybe? She was like, ‘This is the pinnacle, I’m done.’ So, I think that’s when she kind of started it, but I will say I think maybe me leaving was kind of just the straw… it was… [kind of another factor on the pile?] yeah, I don’t think it was her main reason, but it didn’t help,” Ricochet said. [From 27:16 to 27:45]

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Irvin has seemingly enjoyed her time off since leaving WWE. While she has not been active on Instagram, the 35-year-old regularly interacts with fans on X, and has had several exchanges over her WWE departure.

Samantha Irvin defends WWE Superstar

Samantha Irvin made several close friends while with WWE, and she continues to publicly support her former co-workers now that she’s left the company. The former ring announcer has received some criticism for some of her heated exchanges on X in recent weeks.

Shayna Baszler took to X this week to tout how she’s rarely injured, rarely takes time off, and keeps to herself with no drama, which makes her the workhorse of RAW. A fan replied and asked Baszler how she’d take time off if she’s always in catering. Samantha Irvin later responded and took a shot at the fan.

“Meanwhile, the things you would do for an opportunity to get a plate from catering [loudly crying face emoji],” Samantha Irvin wrote.

Shayna Baszler has not replied as of this writing. Samantha Irvin wrote back to another fan who applauded her for firing shots at her critics, claiming it’s like gaining superpowers. Irvin thanked the fan and said that’s how she feels as well, adding that she feels so powerful and has a lot more to share.